Two-thirds of Canadian women are unaware common leg complaint can point to a progressive health issue

New poll reveals almost three-quarters of women have experienced at least one symptom associated with chronic venous disease, but only half with symptoms have spoken to their doctor1

LAVAL, QC, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - A new survey by Leger reveals as many as two-thirds of Canadian women are unaware that varicose veins can be a sign of underlying chronic venous

disease,2 a progressive condition caused by poor blood circulation in the legs.3,4

A fifth of the Canadian adult population suffers from varicose veins and 60 per cent of those affected are women.5 Varicose veins often appear as prominent or bulging blue protrusions under the skin of the leg, while other less visible symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, in addition to swelling, itching and pain in the legs.6

The online survey of 1004 Canadian women aged 35-60, revealed that, despite their symptoms, almost half of women (49%) believe varicose veins to be a natural part of aging, while only one-third associated varicose veins with a medical chronic condition.7

Chronic venous disease is a progressive condition of the legs that causes vein walls and/or valves to become inflamed and stop working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart from the legs.8 Signs and symptoms range from a sensation of heavy and/or painful legs, night cramps, edema or ulcers, spider and varicose veins.9

"I frequently encounter patients who believe varicose veins are a purely cosmetic condition, and who do not understand their potential underlying cause," says Dr. Beverley Chan, Vascular surgeon at Oakville Vascular. "It's important that people recognize varicose veins are not simply a result of aging, but could be a sign of chronic venous disease, a condition that can result in disabling physical and psychological pain."

Despite revealing that only 11 per cent of women are aware of the disease, the poll showed almost three quarters of those polled (70%) have experienced at least one symptom.10 In particular, more than 80 per cent with varicose veins also report having experienced at least one other symptom, including aching legs, painful legs, night cramps, heavy legs or itchy legs.11

The survey also reported that over half of women with symptoms of chronic venous disease felt they were not serious enough to speak to their doctor about.12 When asked what would prompt a visit to the doctor's office, the majority of women (41%) answered pain.13

"All too often I see patients suffer from uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with this condition, which can impact daily activities like taking a shower, walking or driving affecting overall quality of life," says Dr. Beverley Chan, Vascular surgeon at Oakville Vascular.

"The good news is that there are treatment options, including over-the-counter medications that address the venous inflammation and loss of venous tone, which helps relieves the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease."

There are several options to help treat the signs of varicose veins and chronic venous disease, including over-the-counter medications, lifestyle changes and compression stockings, other treatments include vein stripping, endovenous procedures and sclerotherapy.14

About Servier Canada

Servier Canada was established in 1978 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary of operation in Canada. Servier Canada employs over 250 people and is currently present in the following markets diabetes, cardiovascular disease and oncology. For more information: www.servier.ca

About Servier

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 149 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,700 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development. More information: www.servier.com.

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